Primacy of International Rugby

International…International rugby, both Union and League, is currently at the centre of discussion and argument throughout the Boardrooms of many professional clubs in both hemispheres. The staging and number of both rugby codes’ showpiece matches are proving a headache for the two governing bodies, while the criteria for eligibility to many of the international squads worldwide surely leaves much to be desired. The qualification to represent your country by birth or parental birth has, it appears, long gone with many Test cap seekers currently representing a nation by virtue of  the length of their residence in a given country.

In both Union and League the size, power, and costs of the premier clubs today means that they must attract the maximum crowds and be able to tempt TV, Radio, and other media to boost their income by sizeable contracts. Competition in Union from a tournament as prestigious as the Six Nations in Europe or  the distractions in League from a Four Nations tournament in England in November this year does” put on hold” regular club rugby and does affect its profitability. But if both codes are to thrive at club level then those in charge at club level must realise that the success and financial viability of any professional club competitions will depend very much on the marketing and promotion  of the sport at international level.

Rugby Union has, it appears, always adhered to such thinking and until very recently always promoted the primacy of international competition. The staggering growth of professionalism in Union over the past couple of decades has brought about the rise of many clubs and owners with considerable financial clout. Their demands must now be taken into consideration. Rugby League too, especially in Australia, has seen the growth of some very rich and influential clubs – clubs who often are at odds with their governing bodies if international matches are seen to be providing too much competition to their activities and placing too many demands on their players.

Whatever the thinking of our clubs, international competition must be the way forward for both sports and international events must take priority if the two codes are to maximise their attractions to the media, their supporters, and their sponsors.

The three RU Tests between England and Australia this coming summer will raise huge interest via TV and Radio in both countries and wherever the 15 a side game is played while the RL Four Nations tournament involving England, Australia, New Zealand, and Scotland will provide a huge boost to the 13 a side code far beyond its traditional homelands.

International rugby must reign supreme if the oval ball is to attract players, supporters, and sponsors to the backbone of the two sports – their clubs.

Ray French  May 2016